Olmert to cabinet: Many of us see him as one of Israel's greatest athletes.
By JPOST.COM STAFFhapoel tel aviv 88(photo credit: )
Prime Minister Ehud Olmert opened Sunday morning's cabinet meeting by saying that the country was in mourning for legendary Hapoel Tel Aviv goalie Ya'acov Hodorov, who passed away on Sunday at age 79.
"Many of us see him as one of the greatest athletes Israel ever had," Olmert said of Hodorov. "He was the hero of our youth," Olmert continued. "He was modest, a great patriot, and a great athlete."
Hodorov was awarded the Israel Prize for his contribution to national sport, but had to miss the ceremony due to a stroke.
Considered one of the best goalies in the world of his time, Hodorov played for Hapoel Tel Aviv, Hapoel Ramat Gan, Maccabi Rishon Lezion, Shimshon Tel Aviv and Hapoel Holon, winning the state championships with Hapoel Tel Aviv in 1957.
Hodorov will be laid to rest at one p.m. Monday in the old cemetery in Rishon Lezion.